Jamie Shackleton exit update emerges at Leeds United as contract talks underway
Jamie Shackleton is close to agreeing a contract with another club as he nears the Leeds United exit door, according to Graham Smyth.
The Yorkshire Evening Post journalist reported on Friday (28 June) that while the Whites insist that they are awaiting his decision having tabled a new deal, he is close to completing a free transfer away from Elland Road.
While the identity of such a club has not yet been revealed, Sheffield United are understood to be very keen on the 24-year-old with reports suggesting they could tempt him away from Leeds [The Star, 27 June].
However, a potential takeover at Brammall Lane could mean that the Blades’ focus is diverted away from transfers this summer.
Will Jamie Shackleton and Liam Cooper sign new contracts at Leeds United?
While it is always a shame to see an academy graduate depart a club, this summer feels like it should be the end of the road for Shackleton and Leeds United and it could be best for all parties if they were to separate.
The Whites may well be eager to keep the 24-year-old at Elland Road for the foreseeable future, but because of repeated injury and fitness issues, he has not been able to hold down a regular place in Daniel Farke’s squad.
Last season, he only made 11 Championship appearances with only four of those seeing him named in the Whites starting XI as he was made to watch on as Archie Gray leapfrogged him in Farke’s pecking order.
At his age now, Shackleton cannot afford to be little more than a rotation option and a move elsewhere in the Championship will likely see him become a regular starter. It may be a blow for Leeds in the short term, but it is the right thing for the player.
With only a matter of days now left on his contract with the Whites, fans can expect an update on the 24-year-old’s situation sooner rather than later.
In other Leeds United news, an update has emerged surrounding Liam Cooper’s contract situation at Elland Road
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